The Peace Of Christ - Making Peace With Brethren

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                         "THE PEACE OF CHRIST"

                       Making Peace With Brethren

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we have seen that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers...
   a. Peace with God, through justification and reconciliation
   b. Peace with mankind, through abolishing barriers
   c. Peace with oneself, one that surpasses understanding and guards
      our heart
   d. Peace with families, when family members fulfill their duties to
      one another

2. Jesus also offers peace with brethren...
   a. Christians who are fellow members of the body of Christ
   b. Disciples who chose to work and worship together in a local church

[As before, let's begin by noting the need for such peace...]

I. THE NEED FOR PEACE WITH BRETHREN

   A. LACK OF PEACE HINDERS OUR MESSAGE...
      1. We claim to be Christ's disciples, brotherly love reinforces
         our claim - Jn 13:34-35
      2. We claim that God sent Christ, brotherly unity reinforces that
         claim - Jn 17:20-23
      -- When there is no peace, love and unity cannot reinforce our
         message!

   B. LACK OF PEACE SUGGESTS CARNALITY...
      1. Envy, strife, and divisions reflect carnality, or spiritual
         immaturity - 1Co 3:1-4
      2. Confusion reflects bitter envy, self-seeking, earthly wisdom
         - Jm 3:13-16
      3. On the contrary, peacefulness reflects heavenly wisdom - Jm 3:
         17-18
      -- When there is no peace, it may be indicative of spiritual
         immaturity!

[If possible, without compromising truth, we should seek to possess the
peace that Jesus offers.  With that in mind, let's consider how...]

II. JESUS OFFERS TRUE PEACE FOR BRETHREN

   A. BY HIS OWN EXAMPLE...
      1. We are to love one another as Christ loved us - Jn 13:34
      2. In Romans, Paul pointed to the example of Christ - Ro 15:1-3,
         5-7
      3. In Philippians, Paul pointed to the mindset and example of
         Christ - Php 2:3-8
      -- By His own humility and selfless service, Jesus shows us the
         way to peace!

   B. BY HIS APOSTLES' TEACHING...
      1. Such as Paul's admonitions
         a. Pursue peace - Ro 14:17-19
         b. Live in peace - 2Co 13:11
         c. Be diligent to maintain unity in the bond of peace - Ep 4:
            1-3
         d. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts - Col 3:15
         e. Be at peace among yourselves - 1Th 5:13
         f. Pursue peace - He 12:14
      2. Such as Peter's admonitions
         a. Have compassion, love as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous
            - 1Pe 3:8
         b. Not returning evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling,
            rather blessing - 1Pe 3:9
         c. Seek peace and pursue it - 1Pe 3:10-12
         d. Be diligent to be found by Christ in peace - 2Pe 3:14
      -- Taking such admonitions seriously go a long way to enjoying
         peace with brethren!

[If we take such admonitions seriously, and are willing to follow the
example of Jesus, what benefits will peace with brethren provide...?]

III. THE PEACE WITH BRETHREN THAT JESUS OFFERS

   A. SANCTUARY IN A TROUBLED WORLD...
      1. In a world where peace is rare, Christ offers peace in His
         family - Ep 2:14-17
      2. A peace based on unity, that is both good and pleasant - cf.
         Ps 133:1
      3. Whenever we assemble as brethren, it should be in an atmosphere
         of peace
      -- Assuming, of course, that we letting the peace of God rule in
         our hearts!

   B. FORETASTE OF HEAVEN ITSELF...
      1. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy
         Spirit - Ro 14:17
      2. That is now, imagine what it will be like in the eternal
         kingdom!
      3. Where peace will be enjoyed without effort required to maintain
         it!
      -- For now, peace among brethren can be a glimpse of glories to
         come!

CONCLUSION

1. Remember, our walk worthy of our calling requires both...
   a. Diligence to maintain the unity of the Spirit - Ep 4:3
   b. Doing so in the bond of peace - Ep 4:3

2. If we are to enjoy peace with brethren, we must pursue peace by...
   a. Following the example of Christ
   b. Applying the admonitions of His apostles

We cannot compromise the purity of truth for the sake of unity, but
neither can we ignore the need for peace as the bond that holds unity
together.  As James, the brother of the Prince of Peace, wrote in his
epistle:

   "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
   peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good
   fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the
   fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make
   peace."
                                                  - Jm 3:17-18
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